Understanding protein for pets

Healthy and balanced: ensure your family pet is getting the right nutritionCredit:
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15 December 2017 • 11:00am

Aileen Scoular

Protein is one of the most important ingredients in your pet’s food. Find out what your pet needs, and how to ensure it's in their diet.

Why do pets need protein?

A complete and balanced diet, with a protein source, is the simplest way to keep your cat or dog in good health.

Protein is a source of amino acids, which are required by animals for the development of body tissue and cell regeneration, and it benefits almost every part of your pet’s body, including muscles and ligaments, the heart, eyesight, cartilage, fur and skin.

Protein is also needed to support a strong immune system, to help fight off infection and for healthy hormone production which, in turn, regulates other important body functions.

It’s surprising just how wide-ranging these sources can be, from poultry to venison. What’s more, it is often the protein composition from different sources that gives your pet a balanced diet.

Protein and cats

Cats, in particular, need a protein-rich diet because this food group provides them with two essential amino acids. Taurine comes from meat and poultry, and is often added into cat food to combat deficiency and help support good eye health and a healthy heart, and arginine helps support your cat’s metabolism.

Understanding the label

Ideally a named protein source should be listed as the main ingredient in your pet’s food, such as chicken, beef or salmon. Animal protein content can vary between brands anywhere from 4 per cent up to 80 per cent, or even higher in some cases.

Sometimes the protein content will vary to suit pets at certain life stages: puppy and kitten food may contain a slightly higher proportion of the food group to support growth and development, while senior foods may contain slightly less.

Ideally, the label will also tell you the protein source so that you can choose an appropriate diet for the age, weight and mobility of your pet.

Gently does it: some dogs can develop protein allergies over timeCredit:
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Mineral content

Your pet needs certain minerals to thrive, including iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. While some of these can come from plants or grains, most come from animal protein. Beef, liver and fish are all excellent sources of these important minerals, and fish also contains iodine.

Vitamins and fatty acids

Oily fish varieties such as salmon and mackerel are rich in vitamins A and D, as well as the fatty acid omega-3.

Low-allergy options

Some dogs can develop an allergy to certain protein sources, especially if they are eating the same type and flavour of food day after day. Venison and duck are suitable alternatives, and recipes featuring these proteins may be appropriate for pets that show symptoms of a food allergy, including dry itchy skin or a tummy upset.

Lean and low in fat

Inactive or overweight pets can benefit from food with protein from low-fat meat or poultry as its primary ingredient. Chicken, turkey and fish are all good sources of “lean protein”, and are often used as the main ingredient in “light” diets for dogs and “indoor cat” recipes.

Easy to digest

Digesting meals comfortably can be more challenging for senior pets and some dog breeds, so easy-to-digest protein sources are a sensible option – these include poultry such as chicken and turkey.

Advice for happy, healthy pets

Pets at Home is the UK’s largest pet supplies store. From toys and bedding to tailored food and in-store veterinary clinics, it’s the first place to go for any pet need.